What plausible changes do you see being made to CWE 9th book

[TrawlingCleaner]

As the title suggests, this thread is for the purposes of looking at the Drukhari book (as well as other 9th books) and drawing paralells and conclusions on what the CWE 9th ed book is likely to get.

 

The obvious changes:

Brightlances go to D3+3

Star Cannons become flat 2 dmg, I can't really see these being flat 3 as they're very similar to disintergrator cannons

Other weapons balances, much like DE I expect a lot to have been looked at weapons wise. Similar to splinter cannons, I could see shuriken cannons going to 2Dmg and -1ap as there's such an emphasis on how armies deal with Marines of all flavours now.

General updates to how Psychic powers work, plus the potential of bringing one back (more on that in my crackpot theory section)

 

Less Obvious changes:

Wraith units becoming our Deathwing knight/Deathshroud analog: 2+BS/WS, maybe a 2+ save or a built in invuln? It would give real incentive to use Swords, axes would get a boost and be more reliable as well as D-cannons having a chance to reliably hit something. Wraithlords reducing damage is also a real likelyhood to be in similar standing as a dreanought

Aspect Warriors becoming our Incubi, Trueborn, Bloodbride analogs: 2+ BS/WS depending on what they spec into, i.e Avengers would be 2+ BS but 3+WS. As well as a general rebalance/rethink in how some aspects work. Swooping hawks and Fire Dragons do what other units already do and do it better. As Asepct warriors are literally the peak of their preferred form of warfare they should act like it

 

Potential Crackpot theory, borderline wishlist:

Hear me out, but I think Invisibility is coming back. Almost definitely in a different form, i.e it picks an enemy unit to apply it to rather than a friendly one but it still modifys Ballistic Skill. The Deathwatch Supplement Aeldari specific strategem allows a DW unit to ignore all to hit and Ballistic Skill modifiers. As far as I know Drukhari don't have any BS modifiers, only to hit. I could see it happening, much to many Taudar opponent's dismay I'm sure

Autarchs being able to specialise in Aspects like they used to. Much in a similar way to Masters of the Chapter, Virulence Blessings (?), Necron Crytek specialisations etc etc. It gives a much needed customisation to the Autarch without GW actually having to release a model. A paid upgrade that lets an Autarch pick one or two Aspects, for example: scorpions and hawks for the winged Autarch. This part is probably wishful thinking but I think it means that GW don't have to release a new model and they can boost customisation.

 

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on what we're most likely to get, even with so few 9th ed books out there's plenty to compare against

[Doctor Perils]

I'm sort of expecting (hoping for may be a more accurate term) a new "tactician" style Autarch, using that Rumour Engine terminal from a few weeks back - considering all the recent "lieutenant" type characters in other armies, I think it could be pretty cool.

 

I think it's also time we saw new Shining Spears - after all, the new jetbikes have been out for a good few years by now. Alongside them, I'd love to see an Autarch/Drastanta dual kit.

 

If we're to see a proper re-release, with Guardians and co., that would also mean a new centre-piece model, which could take the form of a new, bigger, better Avatar of Khaine - in that case, I'd imagine a much beefier stat-line

 

For Crusade, I think a fleshed out Eldar Path system would be the bee's knees - so unlike most armies where you're characters can "level-up" or occasionally be dreadnought-ed, Eldar characters might change paths (go from Autarch to Warlock for example), or conversely might get "stuck" in a path (buying Exarchs, that could later become Phoenix Lords) - however, you might need to open up aspect shrines on your craftworld before accessing them in your list, so perhaps you'd have to start with mostly guardians and perhaps a single shrine...

 

I do wonder if we may see other character "tiers" similarly to Chapter Masters, Chief Librarians, etc. - if so, we could be in for some new Eldar lore, which might be even more exciting for me ^^

[Captain Coolpants]

Im not overly optimistic. I honestly don't think they will change much

[The Yncarne]

Not expecting anything more than a character and revisited relics or warlord traits. The line needs an overhaul and I expect that in 10th edition. 

[TrawlingCleaner]

I'll be honest, I was very un-optimistic for all xenos books, especially Eldar. Having seen the Drukhari book and the necron book, I think CWE and Harlequins are in safe hands. Both DE and 'crons are such a drastic overhaul compared to their 8th counterparts. Of course I may have to eat my words if they fumble it.

 

As for range refreshes, I agree that pretty much the entire range needs redoing. Will it be done? Probably not this time around but you can almost guarantee that GW will be looking at Xenos book sales and going "darn, I wish we did them now"

 

The new character is very interesting to me, as others have said it looks almost definitely like it'll be a tactical type character, which currently does not exist in the range. None of the Phoenix Lords match this. Much like the palatine, skitarri marshal etc, I imagine it'll be a lieutenant lite

[Urkh]

I thinkna range refresh should most definitely happen, and I think ruleswise, they're going to have to give aspect warriors new weapon options if they are ever going to come out with plastic ones. Reason being: give the old players a reason to buy the new kits. "You have striking scorpions, yes. But do you have striking scorpions with X new weapon? No? Well here you go!"

 

I refuse to buy finecast, so I am really hoping they come out with plastic aspects. If they don't, I will have to scrounge around for metal ones.

[TrawlingCleaner]

It is possible that they do the refresh with the codex, I think it means that our codex would likely be one of the last ones to get refreshed as both Orks and Sisters are getting their range increases with their codexes. It's not if they'll get a refresh, its when. There's no doubt that they will, it's just whether it lines up with other ranges getting their new stuff. Eldar getting a refresh is an event in itself, much like GSC, Primaris and Sisters.

 

What rules changes do you see happening?

[Dread]

Its funny, im still using some of my 2nd ed models. I think we're fine as the army goes, hoping for more plastic aspects but we have a great range of units. Weapons rules update could be done at community, free, to download. My one wish is to have my bikes made troop choice again but know that wont happen.

 

Points need to be visited to keep in line with the 9th ed books but can still make competitive lists. My opinion of coarse.

[Doctor Perils]

Just realized what I'd like to see for "Autarch lieutenants" - autarchs in training that are still in a specific aspect shrine, which could act sort of like an "exarch officer". Perhaps you could have a base lieutenant, and command point upgrades to make induct it into an aspect shrine?

[Dark_Master]

This has been discussed on a Aeldari Facebook page.

 

I’d like to see the Avatar reach Greater Daemon Level.

 

Also I’d like a rule for fallen Phoenix Lords to be able to be resurrected by sacrificing a relevant Aspect Warrior, or if it’s too OP then a relevant Exarch. I.e. like in the Path of the Eldar series

 

DM

[Captain Coolpants]

That would be pretty cool. The avatar really does need to be lord of war level in power.

[Karhedron]

The Avatar has been one of my favourites from the Eldar list going all the way back to the fluff in WD 127 that described the ritual of awakening and the sacrifice of the Young King. I would definitely love to see him get a new model to rival the Greater Daemons with stats to match.

[Toldavf]

Guardians need a rerelease with a reasonable base gun.

[Captain Coolpants]

Will they ever release a new model whilst forgeworld sells one?

[Doctor Perils]

Will they ever release a new model whilst forgeworld sells one?

Short answer: yes (imo)

 

After all, FW still sold their special greater daemons until recently, and that didn't stop GW releasing new plastic ones. On top of that, FW have been scaling back a lot of their production in favour of specialist games, so it's entirely feasible the FW go last chance to buy.

 

This has definitely made me wonder about the opportunities for a dual or triple kit avatar, in the same vein of the plastic Greater Daemons - could we perhaps see a Biel-Tan named Avatar for instance? Perhaps an avatar with sword and spear options, etc.? Very exciting possibility :D

 

On a separate note, how would people feel about Exarchs becoming characters? Since even in rules atm you can have aspect warriors units without exarchs, but in the lore they should still be linked to said Exarchs - having them provide bubble buffs could allow them to run next to a few units of their shrine?

 

EDIT could also live with an update to vypers in the same vein of the DE and Harli vyper variants

[Karhedron]

Guardians need a rerelease with a reasonable base gun.

Gav Thorpe crippled Guardians at the start of 3r edition by giving them machine pistols and tinfoil armour. I hoped that the big shake-up of 8th would be an opportunity to fix this but GW felt otherwise.

[Doctor Perils]

It's in 9th they've started updating profiles as they should, there's absolutely still hope

[Toldavf]

 

Guardians need a rerelease with a reasonable base gun.

Gav Thorpe crippled Guardians at the start of 3r edition by giving them machine pistols and tinfoil armour. I hoped that the big shake-up of 8th would be an opportunity to fix this but GW felt otherwise.

 

 

Yeah if the only reason they are taken is because they cheaply guard the base then they are badly designed. They are desperately in need of a rework from the ground up. 

[Karhedron]

Yup, Guardians are too poor for their points and too expensive to spam. The citizen militia of a dying race should look more like Tau Fire warriors. powerful long ranged guns and decent armour to keep your valuable civilians out of harm's way as much as possible. They should hold Objectives while the real fighters (Aspect Warriors etc) spearhead the advance and take the fight to the enemy.

[Ioldanach]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a big range refresh, especially for the guardians and the older resin aspect warriors (including the Phoenix Lords).

 

I don't predict much in the way of rules aside from bringing things in line with 9th edition (though I'd love to be proven wrong with some good changes). I can see some things aligning with the drukhari (previously covered so I won't repeat them).

 

What I'd really like to see is a junior version of the autarch, like an asuryani version of the Primaris lieutenant. The best way to represent this to me would be to allow for the autarch model to be used with scaling stat lines and abilities, but I don't think that GW has the stomach for that and would prefer to push out a dedicated model. I'd prefer a single customizable model, though (head swaps, backpack choices, weapon choices). This is just my pipe dream, though.

 

My other pipe dream is to see the corsairs brought back, even if they're only an auxiliary like they were in 2nd edition. It would be great if the guardians included head, backpack, and weapon options to support a defender/storm/corsair build. A man can dream, can't he?

[Captain Coolpants]

Corsairs being Brought back would be epic. Would literally bring my corsair army back to life.

 

What would also be cool, is if they gave guardians another weapon option. I basically want the opposite to what they did for necron warriors. And give the guardians longer range options. It was a big shock when they gave the crons a faster shorter gun. So they could do the opposite for guardians.

Edited May 15, 2021 by Captain Coolpants

[Dulahan]

Given how dramatic the changes have been this edition.  Orks to T5.  Extra wounds for Marines.   I would not be shocked to see Shurcats go up to... 18"

 

Why 18 inches?  Because that's the range that one Inquisitor that uses one has on her Shurcat.

 

Still, should be 24"   :( 

[ThePenitentOne]

Such a good thread... so much to respond to...

 

Minimally, I think we will get plastic Scorpions and Karandras... Minimally. I predict this because they have utility for both 40k and Kill Team. A plastic Asurmen would give us 3 plastic aspects for both 40k and KT with their respective Phoenix Lord.

 

Loved the suggestion that Paths will feature heavily in Crusade.

 

If guardian shuricats hit 18, that leaves 24 for Dire Avengers. If you set guardian 'cats @ 24, DA have nowhere to go.

 

If Corsairs return, I suspect it will be as part of Ynarri with a WD stand alone index to follow. Ditto for Exodites. This move would fix 3 neglected flavours of Eldar all at once; Exodites would be a perfect foil for Beast Snaggas. (As would Kroot, with their Krootox and Hounds, but that's another story- they already didn't give us plastic Drukari beast, which would have been another good foil... Rough Riders? I digress). 

 

A new Avatar centrepiece is right up GW's alley, and with all 4 of the awesome Slaaneshi Greater Daemons, they need an Avatar to scrap with... And that dual kit for the Avatar is Just. Sheer. Genius.

 

I have the Eldar side of Blood of the Phoenix + 5 Dire Avengers; it's a decent Combat Patrol sized force... But damn am I looking forward to growing it!

[Karhedron]

If guardian shuricats hit 18, that leaves 24 for Dire Avengers. If you set guardian 'cats @ 24, DA have nowhere to go.

DAs superiority does not have to be represented by range. You could just as easily make it high ROF. The Guardians stand back at range and plink away slowly while the Avengers come in close and unleash a storm of fire. That would justify their heavier armour.

 

With Kabalites getting a 4+ save, do you see potential for our saves to be increased? Guardians look a lot more armoured than IF infantry for for example.

[Doctor Perils]

Minimally, I think we will get plastic Scorpions and Karandras... Minimally. I predict this because they have utility for both 40k and Kill Team. A plastic Asurmen would give us 3 plastic aspects for both 40k and KT with their respective Phoenix Lord.

That would be awesome! I can't wait for the new Scorpions, I've been putting off getting the failcast ones in the hope they release updated plastic ones.

 

If guardian shuricats hit 18, that leaves 24 for Dire Avengers. If you set guardian 'cats @ 24, DA have nowhere to go.

 

As Karhedron says, there's no reason for the DA to only have greater range - but also, Primaris have 30" Bolt rifles, I definitely don't see why eldar couldn't get something like that. What I could see them having would be a dual profile 24" RF2/Assault2

I also hope Fire Dragons get some buffs like eradicators, but with an extra gimmick, as in the lore I don't think of them always rolling around in a wave serpent

 

If Corsairs return, I suspect it will be as part of Ynarri with a WD stand alone index to follow. Ditto for Exodites. This move would fix 3 neglected flavours of Eldar all at once; Exodites would be a perfect foil for Beast Snaggas. (As would Kroot, with their Krootox and Hounds, but that's another story- they already didn't give us plastic Drukari beast, which would have been another good foil... Rough Riders? I digress).

 

Honestly, don't see Corsairs happening, unless as a dual kit for Guardians in a craftworld list with a special subfaction ala dark eldars kabals/covens/cults. Exodites seem even less likely to me, at least in the next 3 years.

Ynnari I can't see getting more than a WD index.

 

I would however love to be wrong about any and all of those predictions

 

A new Avatar centrepiece is right up GW's alley, and with all 4 of the awesome Slaaneshi Greater Daemons, they need an Avatar to scrap with... And that dual kit for the Avatar is Just. Sheer. Genius.

It's what makes sense as a centerpiece for the craftworlds who don't follow Ynnead - I would totally love a scrap between the two avatars though :devil: